The Prophetic Role of the Gentiles - God Chose Cyrus to Fulfill His Promise
Text Analysis of Er 1, 1-6
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54855/csl.22229Keywords:
repatriation, God, Cyrus, reconstruction, temple, JerusalemAbstract
God's promise to Jeremiah is fulfilled: Babylon falls, Israel is set free, and they return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. From a political standpoint, Cyrus' authority was predicated on the liberation of Israel. From a religious perspective, Israel's deliverance is seen as a divine act. God visited His people via Cyrus. He picked him to bring the people home. He was a heathen monarch, yet God entrusted him with the task of rebuilding the temple. Not only the Israelites were invited to rebuild the temple, but all of Cyrus's people were as well.
The purpose of this essay is to examine the Gentiles' prophetic function via the figure Cyrus as recounted in the book of Ezra, notably Er 1:1-6. The first is the text's structure and dynamism. This is followed by an examination of the text of Er 1:1-6, focusing on three critical points: (1) God operates via Cyrus; (2) God entrusts Cyrus with the task; (3) The construction of the temple of the Lord. Finally, there is a contemplative contemplation on the need for each individual to construct God's temple in their own heart.
References
F. C. Holmgren (1987). Israel Alive Again : A Commentary On The Books Of Ezra And Nehemiah, International Theological Commentary. Edinburgh: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 2.
K. Beville (2004). Exploring Ezra : The Secret Of Spiritual Success. Leominster, UK: Day One Publications, 20.
K. N. Schoville (2001). Ezra-Nehemiah, The College Press NIV Commentary. Joplin, Mo.: College Press, 39.
J. G. McConville (2001). Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, The Daily Study Bible Series. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 6.
Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Schultz, W., & C. A. Briggs (2008). A Commentary On The Holy Scriptures : Ezra. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 19.
M. Roberts, & L. J. Ogilvie (1993). Volume 11 : Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, The Preacher's Commentary Series. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Inc., 40.
M. Lucado (1998). Life Lessons From The Inspired Word Of God : Books of Ezra & Nehemiah, Inspirational Bible Study Series. Dallas, Tex.: Word Pub., 13.
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